asked the Minister for Justice (1) if he will give the cost of the following: (a) the new education unit at Arbour Hill Prison; (b) the construction of a temporary security fence at Arbour Hill Prison; (c) the renovation of the Governor's house at Arbour Hill Prison; (d) the new reception and visiting area at Mountjoy Prison; (e) the new base area in St. Patrick's Institution; (f) the new staff quarters at Loughan House; (g) the new landings and cat walks at Arbour Hill Prison; and (2) the costs involved in preparing Loughan House for its current function of detaining juveniles under the age of 16; the amount of funds expended on structural alterations and improvements since its occupation by such juveniles, excluding the cost of the already mentioned staff quarters; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Cost of Prison Projects.
Limerick East): Apart from reconstruction of the lower ground level of a wing of St. Patrick's Institution and temporary enclosure of an exercise area in Arbour Hill Prison, the information in my reply has been received from the Office of Public Works, which places most major contracts on behalf of my Department.
It is not the practice to divulge the precise value of individual contracts but substantially accurate approximations of the total cost are given in this reply. Some of these projects extended over a number of years and the cost includes price increases (provided for in the contracts) for materials and wages as well as professional fees and VAT. In instances where final settlement of the account has not been reached, the likely final cost has been estimated.
In several instances the question seeks the cost of only one element of more extensive works done under a contract. It would not be possible, without a lapse of time and incurring professional fees, to extract the information sought. The reply indicates the larger context of work in which these elements occur.
1 (a) The final cost of work done in Arbour Hill Prison, on demolition of old Army dwellings, redevelopment of the cleared site as a secure rear entrance, replacement of the perimeter wall along two sides of custodial precincts, surfacing of exercise yards and construction of a two level building to house education, work-training and production of braille material, is likely to be approximately £1.3 million.
1 (b) Included in that figure is approximately £16,000 for the erection of temporary fencing on a steel framework, to enclose the principal exercise yard and enable it to continue to be used by prisoners while the perimeter was being replaced and the other works outlined were in progress nearby.
1 (c) Renovation of the Governor's House in Arbour Hill was undertaken as part of work related to the security enclosure of the western side of the prison. The work included demolitions, reconstructions, walling of areas in front and at the rear, high secure fencing between custodial precincts and the staff residence, work to the main gate of the prison, construction of staff posts at the entrance area, improvement of access and considerable surfacing. The cost was about £160,000.
1 (d) Construction of a new building fully equipped and furnished for admissions-discharges and visiting commenced in Mountjoy Prison in 1979. Work continued until 1982 and the prison had to be kept operating securely while the work proceeded. Adjoining this building a perimetered exercise yard suitably laid out for outdoor games was provided. Additionally, in this sector of prison precincts, the appropriate part of underground ducts and piping-cabling etc, for all services required when the prison is fully modernised was constructed, the overlying pathways and roadways were laid and surfaced and the new lighting was installed. The work cost approximately £3.2 million.
1 (e) Reconstruction of the lower ground level of a wing of St. Patrick's Institution, to provide a modern separation sector (containing cells, work and association facilities) in half the area and workshop accommodation for the institution generally in the other half, disclosed structural deterioration affecting the entire wing which necessitated consolidation of foundations, replacement of the floor overhead in reinforced concrete and major work to services. The cost was approximately £790,000.
1 (f) The final cost of the staff residence in Loughan House, including related site works, is likely to be approximately £1 million.
1 (g) The final cost of replacing the steel walkways, giving access to cells at upper level throughout Arbour Hill Prison, and of fire resistant floorcovering throughout the prison wings is estimated to be nearly £400,000.
2 The cost of preparing Loughan House as a place of open custody — including site preparation, roadways, water and sewerage services, lighting, major structural adaptation as well as servicing, equipping and furnishing of the original buildings and fencing — was approximately £1.2 million. The final cost of work carried out since then is likely to be about £1.7 million. This work — excluding the staff residence — includes a gymnasium, stores, maintenance workships, a boilerhouse, water and fuel storage, electrical and mechanical emergency installations, roadways, carpark, and (since the place reverted to use for older offenders in May 1983) prefabricated buildings for visiting and work-training.